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By Monika

Camping in Iceland: A Complete Guide and Tips from My Campervan Adventure.

Are you thinking of camping in Iceland?

After driving the Ring Road in a campervan, I can honestly say that it was one of the best adventures we had.

There’s something special about waking up to views of mountains, waterfalls, and sometimes even grazing sheep (or reindeer!) right outside your van door.

Instead of rushing between hotels and check-in times, camping gave us the freedom to travel at our own pace, stay longer in the places we loved, and make the most of Iceland’s incredible scenery.

That said, camping in Iceland takes a little research and preparation to be the amazing experience you want.

Having the right gear, the right mindset (flexibility is key!) and knowing what to expect at campsites is an important part of planning your trip.

In this guide, I’ll share what I learned during my campervan adventure: how campsites work, what facilities you can expect, how much camping costs, plus a ton of practical tips to help you plan your own camping trip around Iceland with ease and confidence.

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Types of camping in Iceland

Tent camping

I haven’t camped in a tent in Iceland yet, but I have done a lot of research, and due to the unpredictable Icelandic weather, you’ll want a 3- or 4-season tent to withstand cold nights and winds.

Campervan camping

This is what we did – we rented a camper which had sleeping and cooking areas, and we used restrooms and showers at campsites.

I’ll go over how to choose the right camper for your trip and what facilities to expect at campsites a little later in this guide.

Motorhome and RV camping

Works just like a campervan but typically has a bathroom and/or a shower inside as well. Usually needs electricity hookups at campsites.

Camping pods

Camping pods are tiny cabins that typically just provide sleeping space and you use shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities at the site.

We saw them at Fossatún Campsite on the Silver Circle and Starlight Camping Pods near Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool and the famous Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.

Best time for camping in Iceland

The best time to camp in Iceland, especially in a tent, is the summer. Usually, the months of June through August have the best chance of nice weather and milder temperatures.

Most campers have heaters so you can camp in a campervan in shoulder seasons (April/May and September/October) but keep in mind that campsite availability will be lower – a lot of them are open only in the summer.

Good to know: During our June trip, we still used the heater and the extra fleece blankets every night despite unusually warm and sunny weather we had. That gave me a new appreciation for how cold shoulder-season camping could feel.

Midnight Sun 

We visited in June, right around the summer solstice so it truly never got dark. It was a very interesting experience!

Our camper had curtains, but they were not blackout shades. We were tired enough after busy days of exploring that it didn’t interfere with our sleep, but if you need total darkness, consider bringing a sleep mask.

Northern Lights season

Remember that seeing the Northern Lights is always a gamble! You do have a chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis if you camp outside of the summer months.

Who should consider camping in Iceland?

• Budget travelers – depending on the van you choose, it can be a great budget-friendly option to explore Iceland
• Families, couples and solo travelers who like flexibility vs. sticking to a stricter accommodation schedule
• Adventure travelers who like to roam freely, follow the nice weather and be able to change plans on a whim.

Campervan camping in Iceland

Since, as I mentioned, we didn’t camp in a tent but chose a camper, I will focus on campervan camping in this guide. However, a lot of the information and tips will also apply to tent camping in Iceland.

Why we chose a campervan

I liked the idea of flexibility and being able to adjust our plans if we needed/wanted to but also wanted a little more comfort and less daily setup for our adventure, especially if the weather did not cooperate.

Luckily, we were extremely fortunate to have had dry, warm and sunny days throughout our trip except our last full (rainy) day, but you just never know in Iceland…

Plus, the idea of a kitchen and beds travelling with us at all times was just too tempting to pass up!

Choosing the right campervan

There are a lot of options available when it comes to choosing a camper – lots of different companies and types of vehicles.

They will all have the same basics – sleeping space and cooking area, but will vary as far as the items included in your rental cost (like bedding, cookware, extra chairs, blankets and other add-ons) and, of course, different insurance options.

Read customer reviews and carefully consider the base price vs. the actual price with all needed insurance (I always recommend taking the maximum coverage) and all necessary gear you’ll need to either bring with you or rent from the campervan company.

And of course, check how many people it seats and sleeps, as well as what the sleeping space looks like – beds vs top bunks, which are not suitable for everyone.

READ MORE: Happy Campers Iceland: an Honest Review of Our Campervan Experience.

Helpful hint: book your campervan as far in advance as you can. Most companies offer a flexible cancellation policy in case your plans change, but the sooner you book, the better price you’ll get and the more choices of vehicles you’ll have.

Good to know: sign up for the campervan company’s email list – you’ll be the first to know about promotions, offers and other money-saving opportunities to help you save on your rental.

2WD vs 4WD campervans

Choosing between a 2WD and a 4WD camper will totally depend on your itinerary and the roads you’re planning to drive.

If you plan to stick to the main, paved roads, a 2WD will be sufficient, however if your route includes gravel access roads or the Highlands (F-roads) a 4WD is necessary.

That will also affect the cost of the camper.

Helpful hint: always read the contract and check with your rental company about any F-road restrictions, river crossings and other clauses, so that you have a full understanding of where you’re allowed to take your camper.

READ MORE: Driving in Iceland – Essential Tips for a Great Road Trip.

Manual vs automatic

A manual campervan will cost you a lot less than an automatic one; however, if you’re not used to driving a standard transmission vehicle, you definitely don’t want to start learning during your trip 😊

READ MORE: Renting a Car in Iceland – How to Choose the Right Car for Your Trip.

Campsites in Iceland: the logistics

How to find a campsite each night?

Finding a place to camp is quite easy.

You can search on Google Maps, but a better option is the official website for campsites in Iceland – it provides information about pricing, facilities, payment methods, even weather forecasts and directions.

Is wild camping allowed in Iceland?

No, wild camping is not allowed. You need to stay at designated campsites, especially in a campervan. There are heavy penalties for camping in illegal spots.

Do you need to reserve campsites in advance?

No, in fact, the vast majority of campsites don’t accept reservations. You just show up and find a spot for your van or the tent.

The only one that I know of that requires pre-booking is the Egilsstaðir Campsite. 

How do you pay for campsites?

It varies from site to site.

During our trip, we paid in many different ways – online via the Campsite Parka App, to the warden at the camp office, to the warden when he just visited the campsite, even at the Fish’n’Chips restaurant next to the camp office.

Some sites also have QR codes to scan or pay boxes where you’re expected to drop off your payment in an envelope with the license plate of your car and the number of people written on it. That’s when having some cash comes in handy.

What about a camping card?

A camping card is a card that enables you to stay at a selection of campsites around Iceland for a flat fee.

It covers 2 adults (over 16) and two children (under 16) traveling in one tent/campervan/RV. It’s only valid in the summer, for 28 days.

Unless you know that the campsites included fit your itinerary and your group meets the coverage criteria, it may not be as much of a money saver as it may seem.

Cost of campsites

Campsites charge per person, per adult. There are discounts for children, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

Fees vary – we paid 1800 ISK to 2500 ISK per person with 400 ISK lodging tax added to the total.

Typical campsite facilities: what to expect

Bathrooms

They vary in number and set up, some only offer cold water in sinks, but at the campsites we stayed in, we found them clean and sufficient.

Showers

Offered at the majority of campsites, sometimes included in the camping fee and sometimes charged separately. Typically, the extra fee for showers is 500 ISK; there was one site where it was 900 ISK.

Helpful hint: if you want to combine showering with a truly local experience, go to a public swimming pool and for about 1200 ISK enjoy soaking in warm geothermal waters and a quality shower while there. We loved our swimming pool experience. Just remember to bring your own toiletries (body wash, shampoo, etc.)

Kitchens and cooking areas

Those facilities are not available at every campsite – if you need them, read the campsite description carefully to make sure they are there.

Sometimes there is an extra fee to use the kitchen stove.

Helpful hint: Bónus and Krónan grocery stores are great for getting supplies during your trip. Just keep the opening hours in mind. Bónus is open from 9 or 10 am (depending on the location) to 9 pm, and Krónan is open from 8 am to 9 pm.

Learn more about grocery shopping and other important tips for your visit to Iceland in this detailed guide for first-time visitors.

Laundry

Again, some sites have them, and some don’t.

There is always an extra charge for using the washing machines and the dryers. It typically includes laundry detergent, but it’s always good to bring your own laundry sheets.

Electricity hookups

Most campsites have electricity available for an extra fee. We never actually had to use it, but everywhere we stayed, it was there.

How to pack for camping in Iceland

When packing for a campervan trip, you have to consider the storage space. There is storage under the benches in the back of the van and inside the benches as well.

In our camper, all cooking essentials were stored in cubbies and drawers in the cooking area behind the front seats.

Clothing

We kept our clothes in color-coded packing cubes in suitcases in the back of the van.

We brought our 26-liter hiking backpacks as our carry-on luggage (perfect size accepted by Icelandair).

👉 Check out my complete, practical packing list that I personally follow for all my trips.

Sleeping gear

Your camper bedding will depend on what’s included in your rental cost and what you choose to add as an “extra”.

We had real bedding complete with fluffy pillows and duvets, and it was fantastic. We also got extra fleece blankets and despite the wonderful weather we had, we used them every single night.

Some companies also rent sleeping bags, or you can bring your own (and a small camping pillow as well!)

Cooking gear

Most campers come with everything you need to cook a meal – a pot and a pan, dishes, silverware etc. In our package, we also got a kettle, which was very useful.

The two-burner gas stove did its job throughout our trip.

Helpful hint: if you’re tent camping and do not want to bring all the necessary gear with you, you can rent it ate the Reykjavik Camping Equipment or Iceland Cover.

Electronics and Wi-Fi connection

Bring your own charging cords and a car charger splitter, especially if you need to charge multiple devices. There were both USB and C ports in our van, but usually there aren’t enough of them to have everything plugged in at the same time.

Also, rent a Wi-Fi portable hotspot with your camper – I never travel around Iceland without it.

Helpful hint: charge all your devices in your camper, on the road. Unless you pay for electricity hookups, the outlets available in kitchens and bathrooms are usually sparse and often taken up by hair dryers, electric kettles etc.

Camper extras

Different companies offer different things you can choose during your pickup.

We grabbed folding chairs (great for drying towels and bathing suits, or for sitting outside and enjoying the weather!), extra towels, blankets, trekking poles, and a clothesline – but there were other items available as well.

Other helpful items:

• 40 oz thermos to store hot water (great time saver if using backpacking food or instant soups, mashed potatoes, etc. on the road – boiling the water on the little camper gas stove does take a bit of time)
• a silicone measuring cup (helpful for measuring water for your instant meals)
• face & body wipes (when showers are busy, unavailable or you’re just too tired)
• a small travel mirror (not all bathrooms have one and it comes in really handy for putting contact lenses in, applying a little makeup etc.)
• a dual voltage hair dryer (useful not only for hair, but also to dry wet clothes and shoes after the rain)
• power plug adapters if you’re visiting from outside Europe
• paper towels and tissues (buy in Iceland)

Helpful hint: if you’re traveling with a laptop, rent an inverter from your rental company – it will allow you to plug it in and charge.

Is camping in Iceland safe?

It is very safe! We’ve met a lot of friendly fellow campers and never felt any discomfort walking through the campsites and using common areas.

Is camping in Iceland worth it?

100% yes!

It’s a great adventure and the freedom to just go with the flow and chase the best weather is priceless. I would definitely recommend trying it, even if just for a few days.

Pros of camping in Iceland

• Flexibility and freedom
• Lower accommodation costs
• More time in nature
• Easy road trip logistics

Cons of camping in Iceland

• Unpredictable weather
• Limited privacy
• Shared facilities
• Seasonal limitations

I will add one more “con” which is not really a con but something to keep in mind – because you have the freedom to move around without following a set schedule or itinerary, it may be more difficult to book tours and activities that tend to sell out, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group.

We were lucky to get into a whale-watching tour the day we visited Snæfellsnes Peninsula (I called the company, and they just happened to have a cancellation) and to book an amphibian boat tour on a glacier lagoon the day before we were going to get there. 

So if your itinerary includes things that need to be booked ahead, like glacier hikes, lagoon boat tours, dinner at the Friðheimar Tomato Farm, whale watching and more, you may have to forgo some of the flexibility and follow the travel plan a little more closely.

Common camping mistakes to avoid

• Assuming wild camping is allowed
• Not booking a campervan early enough
• Packing too many suitcases – storage is limited, but most rental companies will hold your luggage while you move your things to the van storage areas. That’s why I recommend using color-coded packing cubes for each person in your group.
• Underestimating the weather – check weather conditions and road status daily – both can change very quickly.

READ MORE: Best Apps for Iceland – What I Use, Love and Recommend!

• Ignoring wind warnings – depending on the van you have (the size and the height), it may be more susceptible to cross winds – always check with the rental company when it becomes unsafe to be on the road and ALWAYS obey wind warnings
• Not checking campsite opening dates

Our favorites campsites

Let me share some of our favorite campsites we stayed at. With one exception, we chose them solely based on location to best fit our itinerary.

• Möðrudalur

Möðrudalur was the one campsite we knew we wanted to stay at. We spent one night in a guesthouse there in 2023 and totally fell in love with the farm, so we knew we had to come back.

Staying at their campsite this time was even more magical. And – bonus – we met the resident reindeer, Tova!

• Breiðdalsvík

A tiny campsite in the back of the hotel (Hotel Blafel), which we drove into well after midnight.

There were only 3 campers there (including us and a lovely Icelandic couple on their yearly island tour to visit family). It was cozy, in a beautiful location and had a great bathroom.

• Grundarfjörður

A perfect location near a public swimming pool and the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain.

• Arnarstapi

The best bathrooms, opened with a code you receive after you pay on the Parka.is website.

• Akureyri (Camping Hamrar)

Secure with the gate that reads your license plate, with all amenities, even a Wi-Fi hotspot.

• Arkanes

A beautiful location near the fjord and with all the amenities you need.

It was extremely busy when we visited, as there was a youth soccer tournament happening that weekend so it was a challenge to find a spot, but even then, we had a great time there.

Here are some campsites that we didn’t use during our trip but visited on other occasions or researched enough to recommend:

• Kerlingarfjöll

Located in the stunning area in the Icelandic Highlands, along the easiest F-road, road F-35. We were able to take a good look at the site when we visited and the entire area is just stunning!

• Landmannalaugar

Again, we visited the area during our day trip to Lanmannalaugar (also in the Highlands) and were able to walk through the campsite and use the facilities – we would stay there in a heartbeat!

• Þakgil (Thakgil) Campsite

This one we haven’t been to yet, but it’s considered one of the most beautiful campsites in Iceland, complete with a cave that is lit up when used as a common dining area.

Camping in Iceland at a Glance

• Best time to camp: June – August
• Average campsite cost: 1,500 – 3,000 ISK per person (+ lodging tax, sometimes showers and optional laundry/electricity)
• Reservations: not needed
• Wild camping: prohibited for campervans, allowed in specific rare situations for tents.
• Best option for road trips: Campervan
• Showers available: At most campsites
• Northern Lights camping: September – April
• Family-friendly: Yes

As you can see, with a little prep and planning, you can put together a wonderful campervan adventure in Iceland!

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

Need some inspiration for your trip? Check out these amazing ICELAND ITINERARIES to help you plan your days!

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